June RalstonOwner
June Ralston founded Junebug’s Gym in November of 2008. She was looking to create a positive, fun and supportive environment to give children self confidence and self esteem in themselves. She hopes to help children find joy in movement and being fit.
A mother of three, and with over 20 years of experience working with the preschool aged child, June has focused her efforts in large motor skill development. June comes from a background of competitive gymnastics, ballet, modern dance, theater and horse vaulting at an international level. She brings her joy of movement and imagination to every class.
June completed her A.S. Degree with honors in Early Childhood Education at Cabrillo College in June 2012. She is also Safety Certified with USA Gymnastics and has completed the course “Fundamentals of Gymnastics” through the University of Gymnastics, USA Gymnastics. She continues her education through workshops and classes to keep herself and her staff current in their teaching methods.
“I enjoy watching children learn new ways to move their bodies. Children have this natural desire to jump, hang, balance, run, roll, etc. and my goal is to bring children to a place where they feel in control of their bodies and themselves. I feel strongly about the importance of children learning fundamental motor skills. Preschool gymnastics and basic motor development sets a foundation for a positive experience to be active and fit. More importantly, brain development is greatly enhanced through early motor skill development.”
MaryLou Stephensadministrative assistant
MaryLou is our administrative assistant and has been a member of the JuneBug’s family from the beginning in 2008. Married with three grown children, she has lived in Santa Cruz all her life. After working in the finance industry for 22 years, she volunteered at Mar Vista elementary for 5 years doing yard duty and assisting in the classroom. She is a talented seamstress and makes the best caramels around!
Spencerinstructor/coaching supervisor
Spencer grew up in Walnut Creek, where he participated in recreational gymnastics for over a decade. After graduating from Hiram College in 2018, he decided to teach at his local gym, where he discovered a passion for helping students and other coaches excel as gymnasts and grow their confidence. As a newcomer to the Santa Cruz area, he is so excited to be part of the team at Junebug’s Gym!
Spencer is also certified with USA Gymnastics, completing courses in safety and risk management as well as proper coaching support. He has taught students of all ages and skill levels, and greatly enjoys watching students improve as gymnasts.
In his free time, Spencer loves to read and write, and stays active by exploring Santa Cruz
Amyinstructor
Amy lives in Santa Cruz with her husband, two teenagers, and one crazy dog. She is a former competitive gymnast and began teaching preschool gymnastics while getting her degree in Modern Literature at UCSC. She formerly worked in publications and graphic design. In her free time, she loves to read, play piano, hike, sew, bake, and hang out with her family.
instructor
Tamara has over 30 years of experience teaching preschool gymnastics. She was a nationally competitive gymnast and earned a degree in psychology with an emphasis on child development. She is currently the retail manager at the Nature Store in Henry Cowell, but is happy to be able to continue teaching in a limited capacity at JuneBug’s. Tamara is married and has 2 adult sons. In her free time she likes to garden and play brain games.
instructor
For the first half of her childhood, Camila lived in Minnesota where she began gymnastics. She continued in competitive gymnastics following her move to Santa Cruz. Camila currently attends Cabrillo College and enjoys going to the gym and making jewelry in her free time.
Lilianainstructor
Liliana grew up playing competitive volleyball. She is studying psychology and human development at Cabrillo College. She has worked with children of all ages for many years, and enjoys working here at Junebugs because of all the happiness the kids bring on to the floor.
Alexinstructor
Alex grew up in Santa Cruz and attended June Bugs as a child! She loves working with children and dreams of running her own preschool one day. Working at Junebugs has been a great experience for her as grows as an instructor and builds on her talents for creating a safe and loving environment for every child. In her free time she enjoys hiking in the woods and going to the beach.
instructor
Bio to come.
Niainstructor
Nia has lived in Santa Cruz her whole life and is the oldest sibling of three. She has been coaching at JuneBug’s since 2020. Before coaching gymnastics she participated in cheerleading for four years and two years of dance. Nia is currently studying child development and psychology at Cabrillo College. She loves working with children, enjoying nature, spending time with her friends, and cuddling her dog.
Courtneyinstructor
Courtney is a Santa Cruz native and currently attending Cabrillo College. “Working at Junebug’s has been an amazing opportunity!” she says, allowing her to spread joy and happiness to all our lovely Junebug families. Courtney joined the Junebug’s Gym shortly after her sister, Alex, began working here. Outside of the gym she loves exploring the woods and going on beach walks.